The hiatus is finally over!! It's been an incredible few months since I last wrote, and I've got a lot to share. Before I go further, I want to thank you if you've been an avid follower of my blog or my art, and continue to follow me. Your encouraging words and enthusiastic interest fuels me to keep writing and drawing. I am incredibly grateful, and hope to keep inspiring you to pursue your passion and live a happy and positive life.

THE BIG NEW CHANGES [in a nutshell]

I moved across country, and am now in upstate New York.

I moved in with my talented and amazing boyfriend Alvin.

I experienced autumn leaves and snow for the first time since 2008.

I reconnected with half of my family I haven't seen in years.

I got rid of so much junk (6 years in the making) and am slowly adopting a more minimal lifestyle.

Alvin bought me a Cintiq 22!!

I got a full time position as an Experienced UI Artist at 1st Playable Productions.

I had to cancel an awesome gig with the Cartoon Art Museum (hopeful for the future!)

My work was featured at Gallery Nucleus for their special Double Fine Broken Age Tribute show.

I've got 15 new articles planned out for you all! It'll be an article bomb!

I attended Schoolism Live in San Francisco, CA.

I attended DragonCon in Atlanta, GA.

We (Alvin and I) have a car now thanks to my parents.

We visited the Norman Rockwell Museum.

We fully finished playing Rise of the Tomb Raider (so good).

We've spent all of our free time afterwards studying art, animation, and great storytelling.

A chocolate coin company I worked with for an entire year had their big online reopening.

I'm tabling at CTNx, and my life has been consumed by primarily that.

I was invited to a career panel online with my alma mater, the Academy of Art University.

I created my first art book and sticker sheets, which will be sold at CTNx along with many other goodies.

I've made new friends, gained new experiences, and have learned a lot all within a very short amount of time.

That's the short version of what's happened during my absence. My life completely transformed. I couldn't be happier, nor more grateful for all the love and support I've received and continue to receive from loved ones and friends. Most of all, I'm grateful for my boyfriend for being my rock. His belief in me, and love and support is unbelievable. He continues to amaze me everyday, and I only hope I can be his rock in the same way, if not better.

I'll be at ctnx: booth t107

Articles and art took a huge hit in the big life changing transition, so I'm hoping to make a comeback with those soon. At this time, my attention is primarily focused on getting ready for CTNx which is in a few days (Nov. 18th - 20th in Burbank, CA). So much of the past few months have been full of bliss, excitement, stress, frustrations, and self-doubt, but I do strongly believe applying for a table at CTNxX has been one of the best decisions I've made since graduating. It's a large enough investment where I can't back out or cheat myself into extending a deadline, and I have to make smart decisions and decide how I'm going to execute this even with all of life's sudden transformations. If experience has taught me anything, it's that you'll rarely ever feel like you're truly prepared. However, what's most important isn't making the experience as perfect as possible. It's about actually being bold enough to take on new experiences and finish.

I'm extremely excited for CTNx. The communication from CTNx staff has been impressive since my last review, and I personally feel this year will be a different, better experience. With that said, I will be writing my CTNx 2016 Review after the event, and be sure to conduct the same level of research as I did for last year's review.

If you're in the Burbank, CA area, please feel welcome to swing by and say hi! CTNx now has a General Admission pass where you can still visit all your favorite artists for just $20. I'll be exhibiting at booth T107, and would love to see you there!